Venezuela suspends rights of six international airlines amid US tensions

The Venezuelan government has revoked the operating rights of six international airlines following the suspension of flights to the country, citing escalating diplomatic tensions with the United States.

The affected carriers - Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and GOL - halted operations after the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning about increased military activity and security risks in Venezuelan airspace.

Venezuelan authorities accused the airlines of participating in ‘actions of terrorism of State promoted by the United States’ by "unilaterally suspending" commercial flights, according to a government statement.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that Venezuela gave the suspended airlines a 48-hour deadline to resume flights or face the loss of operating rights. Iberia stated it intends to restore service when safety conditions allow.

Other carriers, including Copa and Wingo, continue to serve the Venezuelan market, alongside local airlines operating regional routes to Colombia, Panama, and Curaçao.

The FAA warning came amid rumors of US military missions in the region. The Trump administration links the actions to combating drug trafficking, but analysts consider the operation an attempt to overthrow Nicolás Maduro as president of Venezuela.

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